Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

[matthepp]

Alright welcome Scott. Mr Snow Mesa has joined us!

Chris I agree with Scott. The Slumgullion sensor is showing a foot of fresh but Hondo was probably pretty bare prior. Saturday could be a good south day??
And don't forget about ol' reliable Blue Mesa if you're jonesing to get out. It could be ridable all week.

I'm hoping for an end of the week adventure. Anyone got a good idea?

[chris country]

Taylor Park sounds rad but I'm working my last graveyard shift tonight at the hospital and doubt I could get over there in time for a Wed. sesh after catching up on sleep.
I figured that was the case with snow down low by Rito Hundo. I will keep an eye on the forum and see what ya'll come up with this week. I may be able to join any sessions that don't require a skin in or sled access.
Blue Mesa could be an easy call for us Salidans. Do you guys have a favorite area of the lake to ride? The Eastern end seems to have a lot of flats to hit.

[ScottN]

Chris,
We usually go to Old Stevens Creek at the east end of Blue Mesa. The west end is still water.

[rvrrat]

Scott, you better mount up those fat skis. You're gonna need them at Snow Mesa this weekend! http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.ph ... PEnDi5ilzV

[matthepp]

Heck yeah JR! I dug out my snorkel and swim wings

[rvrrat]

Wish I was there. Lookin' forward to the report. I would love to see a pic of the snorkel in use. Do you use a periscope as well or just feel your way thru? JR

[matthepp]

Another great weekend outing to the Continental Divide above Lake City. Mr Snow Mesa hauled down the sleds and first timer Chris representing the Arkansas drainage. NOAA had issued blizzard warnings for the south San Juan. Saturday was supposed to be especially inclement so we opted to head to Jarosa Mesa at 11,800 feet where the last of the krumholtz would provide some perspective. The wind was light but steady and the wide open rolling untracked powder just begged to be slashed up. The light was really flat so jumping Christmas trees became the sport of choice. Late in the afternoon the skies cleared for an hour revealing amazing views along the spine of the continent. It also gave great light for fun boosting but of course addiction trumps vanity so none of us could be bothered to snap any good shots! Slashing up 6 more miles of deep powder towing being the sled on the return was a great way to end the day.

George and I crashed at the Raven's Rest hostel owned by an Irish thru-hiker named Lucky. Of course we made the mandatory stop at the Packer Saloon for the bacon poppers

The next day's forecast looked light so we decided to head up as high as we could on the slopes of Baldy Cinco above Snow Mesa. The sled ride up was a little sporty but Scott got us through it. Once again the light was really challenging with whiteouts washing in and out. It was surreal to see views of the 5 mile wide mesa come and go in the clouds. The winds picked up so we went exploring finding great gliding slopes and powdery basins. We all managed to try a few new tricks given the forgiving landings.

While we may had plenty, mother nature has continued in full force with the storm. I snuck out to Lizard Head Pass for a lunch session today and found 18-24" of blower powder and steady 20 knot winds. Leaving a massive trench carve turn was very very gratifying. Hopefully it keeps coming!

[CaptainArgh]

Wow...that Continental Divide above Lake City session sounds awesome, the poppers look killer, and that easy access roadside Lizard Head session sounds too good to believe! So let me get this straight, you parked your car and in 20 minutes were riding 20 inches in 20 knots? Fuuuuuuuuuck...that sounds nice.

Hope to catch up with you guys next trip!

[matthepp]

Cap'n, come on, 20 minutes!? That would be an eternity eyeing up the untracked softness!! Armed with a little Airhead inflator, a fresh slingy pump, and pre-rigged lines, I'd say more like 7 minutes car-to-slay. When these opportunities present themselves you've got to be ready to pounce!

[ScottN]

Matt, Just think how fast you would have been if you were on a foil!!
Fun time last weekend, going to have to do it again soon.
Hinkle road had good wind Tuesday but tha snow was crusty.
Taylor had good wind and snow today.